Systemic fluoroquinolones prescribing restrictions in UK.

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has implemented new restrictions on the prescribing of systemic fluoroquinolones. These antibiotics should now only be prescribed when other antibacterials are not suitable. The MHRA conducted a review of the current measures to reduce the risk of adverse effects in patients taking fluoroquinolones and found that patients should be advised to stop treatment if they experience serious adverse reactions. Healthcare professionals should also be aware of the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. The MHRA has updated the indications for fluoroquinolones and provided more detailed information about potential psychiatric symptoms. [Extracted from the article]